Christian Vazquez won’t return this season, but the Boston Red Sox catcher continues to work hard alongside his teammates. An important step looms large later this week.

Vazquez, who underwent Tommy John surgery in April, will throw Thursday in Houston for the first time since his procedure. The 24-year-old is scheduled to make 15-20 throws from approximately 40 feet, according to WEEI.com’s Rob Bradford.

“I’ll be nervous, excited, everything. I’m happy,” Vazquez told Bradford. “It’s been a long time since I’ve thrown a ball. The last time I threw, it wasn’t right, so I don’t know how it’s going to feel the first time after surgery. I just hope I don’t spike the ball.”

The hope is Vazquez will be ready for the start of spring training next season. The Red Sox then could have an interesting situation on their hands. Blake Swihart, who entered this season as the best catching prospect in Major League Baseball, already has flashed his potential in the majors and veteran backstop Ryan Hanigan is under contract through 2016 with a club option for 2017.

Vazquez’s health obviously is the most important factor, though. Everything else will work itself out.